Effective KeePass alternative: Open-source vs. Cloud debate

KeePass is a free-to-use, open-source password manager. It stands firmly as a go-to tool in the tech-savvy users market. But here comes the catch. If a user is not a techie (and has little interest in becoming one), KeePass might be the least attractive option out there.

PassCamp, a viable KeePass alternative, wins in combining security and intuitiveness. This cloud and subscription-based tool provides cost-effective password management seamlessly done for you. If you are looking for a seemingly effortless tool to protect data, this KeePass alternative is worth your attention.

Here is the comparison of the two tools.

Safety of password storage – extra security layers play a role.

As an open-source password manager, KeePass is a transparent tool that appears to have no critical security weaknesses. Its AES-256 encryption encrypts all types of supported files: usernames, passwords, and notes.

Yet, as an open-source tool with multiple available unofficial add-ons, KeePass security depends on the user himself. The source code is secure, but unofficial add-ons (if uninspected) might pose a security threat.

PassCamp is an attractive KeePass alternative since all the environment – the software, app, and browser extension – is released secure.

The tool is also globally recognized for its security architecture:

• Implemented AES-256 symmetric and RSA-4096 asymmetric encryption algorithms are predominant encryption standards.

• PassCamp deployed a Zero-knowledge approach to all the users’ files in the cloud. That means all data is encrypted and decrypted locally on the user’s device. Neither PassCamp nor any unauthorized party can access or reveal it.

Such additional layers of security increase the overall safety and privacy of the user’s data.

Intuitiveness and compatibility – the key features for modern tools.

KeePass – vast functionality, outdated interface

KeePass, a local-only password manager, greets a user with a Windows 95-style screen. Primarily built for Windows, the tool offers an outdated and complex user interface.

KeePass is initially compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11, Wine. The second KeePass version (2.x, or pro) supports Linux and macOS via the Mono software framework.

To use the software, the user has to download the app and, if needed, select some official and unofficial add-ons. Although KeePass offers seemingly endless third-party features, they are not conveniently displayed for a user.

The interface and functionality of each add-on differ. Besides, the tool does not provide a native mobile app. Beware of challenging multi-platform usage and inconsistent navigation among the add-ons. The user has to invest time and effort to compile his password manager and still perform some daily tasks manually.

PassCamp – a KeePass alternative for smooth everyday usage.

PassCamp is a secure and intuitive tool so that even non-tech users can immediately use it. PassCamp is a cloud-based password manager meaning that data is continuously synced among multiple users’ devices.

During an onboarding process, the tool welcomes users with a clean, modern, and easy-to-navigate design.

All the features that you would expect from a user-focused password manager are included:

• the easy-to-use password generator;
• autofill and autosave;
• web app with a browser extension.

Besides, PassCamp offers a native mobile app that automatically syncs all information among multiple devices. Low learning curve and intuitiveness bring PassCamp among the effective KeePass alternatives.

PassCamp vs. KeePass: The verdict.

As a feature-packed and intuitive password manager, PassCamp can be considered an attractive KeePass alternative for any non-tech-savvy user.

Although KeePass is a forever-free tool, even PassCamp Free version includes more ready-to-use features than KeePass. PassCamp Free version comes with multi-platform sync, autofill and autosave, browser extension, and a mobile app. These features exist only in unofficial KeePass apps and add-ons.

If you do not want to devote your time to research the safety of each add-on or plugin in KeePass, try out PassCamp. Use the Free version to see around or invest as little as 2,50 euros a month to the Premium. Your time is worth way more than that.

For so little, fully-packed software with support, intuitive design, and impressive data protection are definitely worth the try.